There are
many drunk driving accidents in Oregon and Washington each year.
Many people end up injured or dead as a result of drunk drivers.
Here is an article from ODOT about drunk driving prevention in Oregon.
If you or someone in your family has been injured or killed by a drunk
driver, contact our firm at 503-280-0888 or toll free at 1-877-908-1900
in OR and WA to get an attorney on your side.
DRIVERS
UNDER THE INFLUENCE DON’T STAND A CHANCE IN OREGON
PEOPLE WHO DRIVE IMPAIRED ARE DANGEROUS
Each year, thousands of people are injured
and more than 200 are killed on Oregon streets and highways. The reason:
drivers under the influence of alcohol and drugs. In fact, impaired
drivers kill and injure more people than all other violent criminals put
together. The cost to Oregon is about $375 million a year. The cost in
human suffering is incalculable.
OREGON IS TOUGH ON IMPAIRED DRIVERS- OUR DUII LAWS
ARE PROOF
To help fight impaired drivers, Oregon
law says anyone with .08 percent or more blood alcohol content is “under
the influence.” People who fail the breath test automatically lose
their license for at least 90 days. Drivers who refuse to take the test
lose their license for at least a year. Plus, they get a trip to the
police station, complete with handcuffs, mug shots and fingerprints. The
same thing happens to drivers who fail or refuse a urine test to
determine if they are under the influence of inhalants or other
controlled substances.
If convicted in court,
impaired drivers spend at least 48 hours in jail or up to 250 hours in
community service. They lose their license for another year or more.
They also pay fines, fees, assessments, costs for an alcohol treatment
program, legal fees and higher insurance costs.
That’s not all: they must file proof
that they have liability insurance with the department of Transportation
before any license or permit can be issued. And, before any hardship or
probationary permit can be issued, they must pay a $75 reinstatement
fee.
It all adds up to thousands of dollars.
.08 PERCENT IS NOT A MAGIC NUMBER
Even though .08 percent is the level at
which Oregon law says all drivers are “under the influence,” it’s not a
magic number. Some people are impaired as drivers after only one drink
(1 oz. 80 proof liquor, 12 oz. Beer, or 5 oz. Glass of wine). Reaction
time and judgment are impaired for all drivers at levels as low as .04
percent. Even if you are below .08 percent, you can still be arrested
and convicted of DUII.
“Driving under the influence of
intoxicants” also includes inhalants or other controlled substances,
including prescription drugs that affect driving ability. If a driver
mixes any of these- alcohol, controlled substances, inhalants- ability
to drive worsens. Oregon now has hundreds of specially trained police
officers (Drug Recognition Experts) who can recognize all kinds of
impaired drivers.
For drivers under 21, driving
completely sober is the only legal way to go. Underage drivers
automatically lose their license for at least 90 days if a breath test
shows any amount of alcohol- anything above .00 percent. As with all
drivers, if they refuse to take the breath test or urine test, they’ll
lose their license for at least a year. In other words, Oregon has zero
tolerance for underage drinking drivers. Commercial drivers also face
penalties at a lower BAC level- .04 percent.
Oregon has two other important laws in
their war against impaired driving. An open container of any alcoholic
beverage in a vehicle could produce a fine of up to $300, plus
court-ordered license suspension. There also are fees to cover court and
other related costs.
POLICE AREN’T THE ONLY ONES WHO STOP IMPAIRED
DRIVERS
Everyone can help prevent impaired
drivers from hitting the road. If you’re out with friends and people are
drinking, make sure there’s a designated non-drinking driver in the
group.
If you think friends are impaired, take
their keys. Then, call a cab or drive them home. If needed, let them
sleep over at your place. Do something, but just don’t let them drive
under the influence.
It’s up to everyone to help get
impaired drivers off the road. If you spot a car that looks like it may
have an impaired driver, call this toll-free reporting number: 1-800-24-Drunk or 1-800-243-7865.
CONSEQUENCES: DUII ARREST
Driver Arrest License Suspension
Hardship Permit Wait DMV Fees Required
1st DUII Arrest 90
Days 30 Days $125
Fails breath test
1st DUII Arrest 1
Year 90 Days $125
Refuses breath test
Repeat DUII 1
Year Not Allowed
within 5 years.
Fails breath test
Repeat DUII 3
Years 1 Year $125
within 5 years.
Refuses breath test
HOW TO SPOT SOMEONE WHO’S DRIVING IMPAIRED
IN PERSON:
-Lack of coordination
-Difficulty walking
-Rambling conversation
-Slurred speech
-Bloodshot eyes
-Loud, aggressive behavior
-Overly friendly/annoying
ON THE ROAD:
-Too fast or slow speeds
-Unusually wide turns
-Driving at night without lights
-Driving too close to shoulders or curbs
-Straddling the center line
-Weaving, swerving, or drifting
-Windows down in cold or wet weather
“Drivers under the influence don’t have a chance in
Oregon.” Transportation Safety- Oregon Department of transportation.
If you or someone in your family has been injured
by a drunk driving accident in Oregon or Washington State call our Oregon & Washington
accident law firm.....Click Here |
